Want to spend a day boating on Lake Minnetonka this summer? There is an application for that.
What is happening: GetMyBoat, a boat rental company described as an “Airbnb for boats,” allows owners to rent their watercraft, including jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, in approximately 9,400 locations around the world.
Enlarge: In the Twin Cities, the site offers around 30 rentals, which are mainly concentrated around Lake Minnetonka. Prices range from $75 to $400 per hour before fees, with capacity for up to 16 people.
- Under Minnesota law, you don’t need a license to operate a boat if you’re over 18. Although some owners offer to provide captains for inexperienced boaters.
To note : Boat owners wishing to list their vessel should ensure they are code compliant and covered by insurance.
- Owners don’t need to register their watercraft as commercial vehicles, but the state must inspect vessels before they can lease them, Joe Albert of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources told Axios.
- Also GetMyBoat does not offer rental insurance for owners or tenants.
What they say : It can be a lucrative business. Edward Freeman, who also runs Captain Ron’s Boat Rentals in Minnetonka, tells Axios that half of his business comes from GetMyBoat.
- He earns around $15,000 a month during peak season renting three boats through the app.
And after: If you are planning your summer outing, book as early as possible. Freeman says boats fill up months in advance.
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